ASSESSING ECOTOURISM NATURAL ATTRACTIONS, … ECOTOURISM NATURAL... · Tourism Ministry to actively...

ASSESSING ECOTOURISM NATURAL ATTRACTIONS, FACILITIES AND

ACTIVITIES IN BAKO NATIONAL PARK

NOORFASEHA BINTI SAFHEE (24366)

Bachelor of Science with Honours

(Plant Resource Science and Management)

2012

Assessing Ecotourism Natural Attractions, Facilities and Activities in Bako National

Park

NOORFASEHA BINTI SAFHEE

(24366)

This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor Science with Honors in Plant Resource Science and Management

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK

2012

TABLE OF CONTENT

ACKNOLEDGEMENT I

DECLARATION II

APPROVAL SHEET III

LIST OF TABLES IV

LIST OF FIGURES V

ABSTRACT VI

CHAPTER

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study 1

1.2 Problem Statement 7

1.3 Objectives 9

1.4 Rational of the study 9

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concepts of Ecotourism 10

2.2 Ecotourism Attractions 14

2.3 Ecotourism Infrastructure, Facilities and Services 16

2.4 Ecotourism Activities 17

3 MATERIAL AND METHODS

3.1 Study Area 20

3.2 Data Collection

3.2.1 Primer Data 23

3.2.2 Secondary Data 23

3.3 Methodology

3.3.1 Inventory 23

3.3.2 Questionnaire and Sampling 24

3.4 Data Analysis

3.4.1 Population and Sample 25

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction 26

4.2 Field Inventory of Facilities and Activities in Bako National Park

4.2.1 Facilities 26

4.2.2 Activities 27

4.3 Survey of Respondents in Bako National Park 28

4.3.1 Demographic Profile of respondents 29

4.4 Assessment on the Priority of the Importance

4.4.1 Natural attractions 32

4.4.2 Facilities 34

4.4.3 Activities 36

4.5 Assessment on the quality

4.5.1 Natural attractions 38

4.5.2 Facilities 41

4.5.3 Activities 43

5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion 46

5.2 Recommendations 48

5.3 Limitations of study 49

REFERENCES 50

APPENDIX I 54

APPENDIX II 62

1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world (Newsome et al., 2002).

According to Mathieson and Wall (1982), tourism is the temporary movement of people to

destinations outside their normal home and workplace, the activities undertaken during the

stay and the facilities created to cater for their needs. Along with its phenomenal growth and

size, tourism is also responsible for extensive impacts on economy, environment, and impact

on society and on cultural sites (Newsome et al., 2002).

Tourism sector in Malaysia has been recognized by the government as a major source of

revenue and act as catalyst for the country’s economic renaissance. According to Tourism

Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, in year 2011, the tourist arrivals increased to 24.7

million compared to 24.6 million in 2010 while receipts increased by RM1.8 billion to

RM58.3 billion compared to RM56.5 billion for the previous year (Ho, 2012).

According to World Economic Forum, the Global Competitive Index ranks Malaysia as

number 24 out of 137 countries, in the Travel and Tourism competitive index. Furthermore,

Transparency International ranks Malaysia as number 47 out of 180 countries in corruption

perception index and the World Bank ranks Malaysia as 24 out of 178 countries in its 2008

ease of doing business index (Global Competitive Report, 2008). Malaysia has also been

2

ranked ninth in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) list of 10 most

visited countries in 2010 (Chelliah, 2012). Realizing the potential, the Government, through

various initiatives under the Government Transformation Programmes (GTP) encourages the

Tourism Ministry to actively promote the tourism and ecotourism activity in Malaysia (Ho,

2012).

Acknowledging the fact that tourism was a growing industry, the Malaysia Tourism Policy

was formulated in 1992. The policy identifies ecotourism as one form of tourism to be

expanded and sustained. This was mainly due to the fact that ecotourism was recognized to

grow faster than any other form of tourism (Daud, 2000).

Ecotourism is defined as a form of tourism and its primary goals are to foster sustainable use

through resource conservation, cultural revival and economic development (Newsome et al.,

2002). Ecotourism is also defined as the travel to relatively undisturbed areas with the specific

objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wildlife, as well as any

existing cultural manifestations found in these areas (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1998). There are

five key principles that are fundamental to ecotourism. They are that ecotourism is nature

based, ecologically sustainable, environmentally educative, locally beneficial and generates

tourist satisfaction. The first three characteristics are thought to be essential for a product to

be considered as ecotourism, while the last two characteristics are viewed as being desirable

for all forms of tourism (Dowling, 1996).

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Ecotourism is one of the tourism areas that the government focuses on. It has been mentioned

since the 7th Malaysia Plan. In the 9th Malaysia Plan which emphases promotion of a large

number of tourism themes from Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)

over health and education to sports alongside ecotourism (Economic Planning Unit, 2006). It

is intentionally known that Malaysia is a country rich with many natural attractions,

particularly sandy beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, tropical forest retreats

and magnificent mountains that make Malaysia as one of the top ecotourism destinations

(Daud, 2000).

WWF Malaysia estimates that Malaysia gains RM655 million per year from ecotourism from

RM25.8 billion per year from tourism in 2002 (Adzrool, 2006). Table 1.1 shows the tourist

arrivals in Malaysia from 1998 to 2010 including the receipts from tourism and ecotourism

industry while Table 1.2 shows tourist arrivals by several countries in Malaysia from January

to December, 2009 and 2010.

Table 1.1 Tourist arrivals in Malaysia from 1998 to 2010

YEAR ARRIVALS RECEIPTS (RM)

2010 24.6 million 56.5 billion












1998 5.5 million 8.6 billion Source : Tourism Malaysia, 2010

4

Table 1.2 Tourist Arrivals by several countries in Malaysia from January to December 2009 and 2010

Country of residence January to December

2010 2009 Growth %

Singapore 13.04 million 12.73 million 2.4

Thailand 1.46 million 1.45 million 0.6

Indonesia 2.51 million 2.41 million 4.2

Brunei 1.12 million 1.06 million 5.9

Philippines 0.48 million 0.44 million 8.8

Vietnam 0.16 million 0.15 million 6.4

Others 0.78 million 0.76 million 2.4

Grand Total 19.55 million 19 million 30.7 Source : Research Division, Tourism Malaysia with the

Cooperation of Immigration Department, Malaysia

It is estimated that 7-10% of all tourists to Malaysian be viewed as ecotourists with a higher

percentage in Sabah and Sarawak (Marker et.al, 2008). With growth of ecotourism market

for Malaysia, East Malaysia which comprises of Sabah and Sarawak seem particularly well

suited to gain from this trend. East Malaysia is a prime ecotourism destination, given its

tropical climate, spectacular landscapes and interesting wildlife attractions. Since 1990s, East

Malaysia has begun actively promoting itself as destination which would appeal to those

tourists interested in nature, adventure and different cultures (Markwell, 1995).

Sarawak tourism industry grew rapidly by the efforts undertaken by the Sarawak Tourism

Board which was established in 1994 (Immigration Department of Sarawak, 2012). This

development can be seen from the increasing number of visitors to Sarawak from year 2002 to

2012 as in Table 1.3.

5

Table 1.3 Tourist Arrivals in Sarawak from 2002 to 2012

Year Total Foreigners Total Malaysians Grand Total

2012 0.42 million 0.23 million 0.65 million











Total 6.68 million 7.06 million 11.71 million Source : Immigration Department of Sarawak, 2012

The statistics show the tourist arrivals gradually increase every year especially on 2011 with

grand total of foreigners and Malaysians are 3.79 million. This situation might be related to

the implementation of the first Rolling Plan of the 10th Malaysia Plan, which the federal

government through the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia has allocated RM37.1 million for the

implementation of 50 approved tourism projects in Sarawak for year 2011 and 2012 (New

Street Times, 2012). Although still new, the ecotourism sector has seen positive changes as

result of development of potential ecotourism areas. However, the Sarawak Tourism Board

expects to welcome 4 million travelers in 2012 (Tourism Malaysia, 2010).

Attractions play a central role in any tourist experience and also an important factor that

influences the number of tourist’s visits to the host country. A considerable proportion of East

Malaysia’s tourist attractions are focused on natural areas such as national parks and similar

reserves and it is these attractions which provide the experience sought after by ecotourists.

As one of the potential income earner, tourism attracts great interest among policy makers to

ensure continuous economic growth in a state or country. According to the report issued by

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the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak, a questionnaire survey conducted in 1998 to 17,790 visitors

found that the main attractions for visitors to Sarawak are the Sarawak Museum, Sarawak

Cultural Village and National Parks including Bako, Niah and Mulu (Ministry of Culture,

Arts & Tourism, 1998).

National parks are totally protected areas aimed to preserve the animal and plants in a natural

state and are intended to be open to the public for recreational use (Bennet & Gombek, 1986).

National parks, due to the fact that they provide habitat to countless species of plants and

animals, are attracting increasing number of nature-oriented ecotourists (Fennel and Smale,

1992). According to Hall (1994), national parks are established for the purpose of

preservation, hence allowing and encouraging access for education, recreation and tourism

purposes. Backhaus (2003) mentioned that tourists who appreciate natural environment do

interested visiting areas which covered with rainforest or a total jungle. They would be

interested if the rainforests are protected and if the areas carry the label of conservation, forest

reserve or national park.

Main objectives of having national parks are for the conservation of nature and forest as well

as the enjoyment of today’s generations and future generations. Furthermore, the habitat of

species consists of wildlife and flora and fauna is well preserved through sustaining these

national parks. It is due to the world is rapidly changing into modern and dynamic world;

where by its people are less expose to conserve the environment. (Dayang Affizzah & Siti

Baizurah, 2006). In order to develop ecotourism, national park needs to be linked to the

ecotourist by the marketing component including attractions and services that a particular

7

destination has to offer. Services can be improved including facilities provided, activities

based on nature and adventure and services within the locality ((Dayang Affizzah & Siti

Baizurah, 2006).

1.2 Problem Statement

Stiff competitions among host countries for ecotourism market see continuous efforts to

enhance and develop new ecotourism products. As we can see, it is rather obvious, that many

countries, including Malaysia gauge the success of ecotourism sector on the number of

arrivals and the estimated income generated from the sector. The challenges involved in

ecotourism product include identifying and promoting opportunities for diversity and the

special attractions of a region’s natural areas in a way which is ecologically sustainable. It

also embraces redressing any lack of knowledge about ecotourism market demand and visitor

motivations, expectations and needs, as well as assembling and delivering product

information to meet the needs of potential visitors (Middleton & Hawkins, 1998).

Ecotourism is one of the most dynamic sectors that have the potential to be developed in

Sarawak. Although it is still new, many places have been developed for ecotourism including

in the development of the National Parks. One of the major factors that contribute to the

increasing of visitor’s number in particular national park is attractions. As Ryel and Grasse

(1991) recognized that attracting ecotourists is dependent upon biodiversity, cultural history

and unique geography of areas as well as the infrastructure available to support ecotourism

development. In Sarawak, the national parks are supposed to offer visitors excellent

8

introduction to its rainforest with abundant of wildlife and contain almost every type of

vegetation found in Borneo. All its sheer range of attractions and activities has made the

national park one of the most popular destinations in Sarawak (Sarawak Forestry, 2006).

Main purpose of having national parks is for the conservation of nature and sustaining the

habitat of wildlife. In order to attract the visitors, the government needs to identify attractions

to build more facilities and established it in the national parks. The attractions, facilities and

activities provided can bring the positive influence on the awareness of conserving the

national park. By adding such attractions, facilities and activities in national parks can provide

better impression among visitors. The satisfaction among visitor can potentially build better

awareness and willingness among visitors to conserve the national park. To build such

awareness there must need entire society to participate and not only to focus to build

awareness among visitors but also to get the passion and commitment towards nature and

people’s perception of using and experiencing the nature.

Conceptually, attractions, facilities and activities are considered as the major factors in

increasing visitor’s number and influence visitors’ perceptions on destinations. Thus, this

study is to determine the types of attractions including all the natural attractions, activities and

facilities desired for ecotourism destinations such as Bako National Park.

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1.3 Objectives

a) To determine the natural attractions, facilities and activities in Bako National Park.

b) To assess public perception on the importance and the quality of the existing

attractions, facilities and activities in the Bako National Park.

c) To provide recommendations about alternative strategy on managing potential

attractions, facilities and activities for ecotourism.

1.4 Rational of the study

Rational of this study is to assess the public opinion of visitors, staff and tourist guides about

existing natural attractions, facilities and activities in Bako National Park. Bako National Park

may not have an instantly recognizable attraction but there can be very few places in the

world that pack so much natural beauty into such a limited area. All its sheer range of

attractions and activities has made Bako National Park one of the most popular parks in

Sarawak. Success in promotion is also one of the factors that resulted in increased tourists

arrivals in Bako National Park. The flow of tourists visiting Bako National Park contributed

continuous revenue to Sarawak’s economy since it was gazette to public on 1957.

10

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept of Ecotourism

In the early reference to ecotourism, Laarman and Durst (1987) defined it as a nature tourism

in which the traveler is drawn to a destination’s natural history. Visit combines education,

recreation, and often adventure. Another definition of ecotourism is purposely travel to

natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not

to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make the

conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people (McCormick, 1994). Since its

inception, ecotourism has been defined in many different ways, ranging from the general and

ambiguous to the specific and prescriptive. All the definitions illustrate the absence of any

consensus on the precise meaning of ecotourism (Weaver, 2008).

However, Blamey (1997) is notable for distilling three core criteria of ecotourism that recur in

other definitions that are dominant nature-based element in the attractions, an educational

component and a requirement of sustainability. Ecotourism is a sub-component of the field of

sustainable tourism. Thus according to Chesworth (1995), ecotourism has six characteristics.

First, ecotourism involves relatively undisturbed natural areas and archeological sites. Second,

it focuses in learning and quality of experience, third, it economically benefits the local

communities, fourth, ecotourists seek to view rare species, fifth, spectacular landscapes and

unusual and exotic. Last, ecotourists do not deplete resources but even sustain the

11

environment or help undo damage to the environment and ecotourists appreciate and respect

local culture, traditions, etc.

Figure 2.1 The principle of ecotourism (Dowling, 1996)

Figure 2.1 above shows the five core principles which lead to the importance of ecotourism.

Ecotourism is based on the natural environment with a focus on its biological, physical and

cultural features. Ecotourism occurs in, and depends on a natural setting and may include

cultural elements where they occur in a natural setting. Through ecotourism, it increases the

awareness and understanding of an area’s natural and cultural systems and the subsequent

involvement of visitors (Page & Dowling, 2002).

principle of ecotourism

ecologically sustainable

environmental educative

locally beneficial

tourist satisfaction

nature-based

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Hence, ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism undertaken in a natural setting ranging

from resource preservation to resource conservation. The scale of such ecotourism activities

implies that relatively few tourists will be allowed to visit the site and consequently

supporting facilities can be kept to a minimum (Mowforth & Munt, 1998).

Educative characteristic of ecotourism is a key element that distinguishes it from other forms

of nature-based tourism. Environmental education and interpretation are important tools in

creating and enjoyable and meaningful ecotourism experience. Interpretation is the art of

helping people to learn and it is a central tenet to ecotourism (Weiler & Davis, 1993).

Ecotourism education can influence tourist, community and industry behaviour and assist in

the longer-term sustainability of tourist activity in natural areas (Crabtree, 2000).

Involvement of local communities not only benefits local community and the environment but

also improves the quality of the tourist experience. Local communities can become involved

in ecotourism operations, and in the provision of knowledge, service, facilities and products.

Ecotourism can also generate income for resource conservation management in addition to

social and cultural benefits (Page & Dowling, 2002).

According to Dowling (1997), satisfaction of visitors with the ecotourism experience is

essential to the long-term viability of the ecotourism industry. Indeed this incorporates

elements of the concept of the visitor experience and it is also necessary to recognize the

importance of visitor safety in regard to political stability.

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Function of ecotourism is focus on sustainability and at the same time as a travel experience,

first and foremost, that helps travelers come to a better understanding of unique natural and

cultural environments. They also focus on helping travelers develop better instincts on how to

travel and hot to contribute toward environmental conservation, cultural survival and other

important sustainable development issues (Wood, 2002).

Key ecotourism destinations are visiting the Totally Protected Areas (TPA) or other natural

undisturbed natural areas. Ecotourists have always been strongly related to national park

which is one of the TPA. TPA is defined as an area to protect and maintain the biological

diversity and natural and associated cultural resource and provide a foundation for

educational, spiritual and recreational that is compatible with the environmental (Mill &

Morrison, 1984).

There are several ecotourism characteristics that can contribute to, and and enhance the

general attractiveness of a tourist area. The characteristics such as (Wood, 2002):

Natural features conserved withing a protected landscape

Low density development, where natural area are abundant and the built landscape

does not dominate.

Evidence that tourism is not harming natural systems such as waterways, coastal areas,

wetlands and wildlife areas.

Clean and basic public facilities for tourists and locals to share.

A lot of designed recreational activity that are designed to protect resources.

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2.2 Ecotourism Attractions

According to Gunn (1985), attractions are physical site settings for self experiences and are

central to the tourism including ecotourism. As Mac Cannell (1976) stated that an attraction

comprises a relationship between three components including tourist, sight or place to be

viewed and marker or image which makes the site significant. Thus, attraction in its widest

context would include not only the historic sites, amusement parks, and spectacular scenery,

which are normally associated with the word, but also the services and facilities which cater

to the everyday needs of tourists (Backhaus, 2003).

A considerable proportion of tourist’s attractions are natural areas such as national parks and

similar reserves and it is these attractions which provide the experiences sought after by

ecotourists. According to Khomkris (1965), one of the principal of national park is for

managing national parks including preserving and maintaining the ecosystem integrity,

biodiversity, and scenic beauty for use by the present and future generations without

compromising them. Ecotourism attraction plays a central role in any tourist experience. They

provide the settings and stimuli for the varied recreational activities tourists participate in, as

well as functioning as important social and cultural symbols (Markwell, 1995).

Without attractions tourism could not exist and there would be little need for specific

transportation facilities, tourist services, and marketing strategies. When thousands of visitors

are regularly attracted to an area, then accommodation, catering, entertainment, and retail

outlets will follow. All such services are therefore ultimately dependent upon the existing

attractions (Ferraro, 1978).

15

In a recent survey of ecotourists to Costa Rica, derived from the form used in the Canadian

Tourism Attitude and Motivation Study conducted by Statistics Canada in 1983, the result

shown the expectation, motivations and benefits of tourist in their destinations. With respect

to the attractions include wilderness areas, national parks, rural areas and mountains,

Canadian ecotourists appear to place these importance when making their travel decision. In

contrast, the general Canadian population placed significantly greater importance on

attractions such as indoor sports, amusement and theme parks, and gambling (Fennell and

Smale, 1992).

Table 2.1 Canadian tourists’ expectation and motivation in their destination

Motivations Rank

Wilderness and undisturbed nature 1

Learn about nature 2

Photography of landscape/wildlife 3

Tropical forests 4

Birds 5

Trees and wild flowers 6

Mammals 7

Lakes and stream 8

National and provincial parks 9

See maximum in time available 10

Being physically active 11

Oceanside 12

mountains 13

Rural areas 14

Meet people with similar interest 15

Source: Eagles and Cascagnette, 1995

Table 2.1 shows Canadian ecotourists are most interested in environment features. These brief

overviews explain that they seek the types of attractions and benefit that result in satisfying

experiences for visitors to their destinations.

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2.3 Ecotourism Infrastucture, Facilities and Services

As the backbone of the development of any economy, the provision of infrastructure is a

prerequisite towards attaining economic growth and improving the country’s productive

capacity. The anticipated growth of the economy is expected to exert more pressure on

infrastructure support facilities. There are two major objectives for the infrastructure sector in

the long term that is (UNESCAP, 1996):

To provide adequate, convenient, fast and safe facilities and competitively priced

services to meet the primary needs of the population and;

To provide support facilities for the productive sectors and act as catalyst of the

development on desired areas.

Facilities means all publicly owned or leased property, grounds, parking lots, roadways,

venues, bike paths, parks and park-related buildings, facilities and improvements and any

tourism facilities when they are in use as recreational or community center facilities.

Ecotourism services mean the performance of work or duties by offering services to the

tourists in response to the needs or demand (Collins, 1991).

Park and protected areas require facilities and services to accommodate use by visitors, park

staff and others. Type of services and facilities needed in the park include the information,

transport, accommodation, food, safety and recreation. Facilities in parks and protected areas

are designed to fulfill basic functions.

17

Facilities enhance a site’s ability to provide recreation opportunities. A natural or cultural site

often has limited ability to handle recreational visits. These facilities increase a site’s ability to

handle visitation (Paul & Stephen, 1949). According to Paul and Stephen (1949), the

functions of facilities and infrastructure are listed below:

a) Enhance recreation opportunities

b) Increase capacity for tourism

c) Support visitor safety

d) Decrease maintenance costs

e) Be fiscally responsible

f) Protect and maintain ecological integrity

g) Support for cultural integrity

h) Maintain the health of air, water and soils

All facilities should be guided by the values related to the park which include the historic and

natural values underlying the park’s creation, the values of the park staff and the park visitors

currently involved. Thus from the review, the appropriate facilities and services in places such

as national parks should be considered to ensure the safety and satisfaction of visitors.

2.4 Ecotourism Activities

Ecotourism activities refer to the recreational activities involving natural environment. The

activities of natural-based tourism are divided into three categories; activities depend on

nature such as bird watching, activities enhances by nature such as camping and activities

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where the natural setting is incidental such as swimming (Valentine, 1992). The other three

forms of that can be included in ecotourism activities are;

Kinetic experiences were the non-mechanically powered activities or also

known as adventure activities such as hiking, diving and swimming

Situational based experiences involve the strong association with the unique

destination

A relief or aesthetic experience includes observation of natural phenomena

such as wildlife watching.

The importance of ecotourism activities are to attract tourists to visit the undisturbed areas by

helping to preserve natural areas through a portion of tourists tour cost and spending into the

local economy of destination countries. As for examples, paying for park admissions,

engaging local guides, staying at local hotels, and using transportation services (Beletsky,

2005). On top of that, ecotourism activities are important to introduce the natural attractions

in the host country to the ecotourists.

Moreover, according to Dearden (1995), human and wildlife interaction have interrelation in

terms of consumptive use to non-consumptive use. The non-consumptive use activities are

those in which the organism is not affected by human interaction such as bird-watching,

wildlife watching, trekking, natural photography and scenic viewing. On the opposite site, the

consumptive use activities impose certain purposefully intended impacts on the organism such

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as forms of hunting and fishing and also those related to observation and scientific purposes

such as in national parks.

To conclude all, the emphasis of ecotourism activities is focus on educational purpose and

recreation activities and on the enhancement of knowledge through non-consumptive usage of

the natural resources. Besides, all the activities are assessed on either it enhance and protect

the environment or not. Lawrence et al. (1997) assisted that the major strength of ecotourism

is that its weakness arises between protection and profit aims. The natural-based component

ecotourism is based on physical, biological and cultural features for both in protected and

non-protected environments in terms of sustainability and conservation (Ziffer, 1989).

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CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHOD

3.1 Study Area

Source : Google Map (2012)

Figure 3.1 Location of Bako National Park from Kuching City

Source : Sarawak Forestry (2006)

Figure 3.2 Types of trails in Bako National Park

http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/bakopic/bakotrail.htm

http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/bakopic/bakotrail.htm

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